TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2000//
TI  - The effect of pupil dilation with tropicamide on vision and driving simulator performance
JO  - Eye
A1  - Potamitis, T.
A1  - Slade, S. V.
A1  - Fitt, A. W.
A1  - McLaughlin, J.
A1  - Mallen, E.
A1  - Auld, R. J.
A1  - Dunne, M. C.
A1  - Murray, P. I.
SP  - 302
EP  - 306
VL  - 14
IS  - Pt 3A
N2  - PURPOSE: To assess the effect of pupil dilation on vision and driving ability. METHODS: A series of tests on various parameters of visual function and driving simulator performance were performed on 12 healthy drivers, before and after pupil dilation using guttae tropicamide 1%. A driving simulator (Transport Research Laboratory) was used to measure reaction time (RT), speed maintenance and steering accuracy. Tests of basic visual function included high- and low-contrast visual acuity (HCVA and LCVA), Pelli-Robson contrast threshold (CT) and Goldmann perimetry (FIELDS). Useful Field of View (UFOV--a test of visual attention) was also undertaken. The mean differences in the pre- and post-dilatation measurements were tested for statistical significance at the 95% level using one-tail paired t-tests. RESULTS: Pupillary dilation resulted in a statistically significant deterioration in CT and HCVA only. Five of 12 drivers also exhibited deterioration in LCVA, CT and RT. Little evidence emerged for deterioration in FIELDS and UFOV. Also, 7 of 12 drivers appeared to adjust their driving behaviour by reducing their speed on the driving simulator, leading to improved steering accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Pupillary dilation may lead to a decrease in vision and daylight driving performance in young people. A larger study, including a broader spectrum of subjects, is warranted before guidelines can be recommended.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0950-222X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -